Some December sketches

Trees. My obsession with trees continues. Just can't seem to get them quite right. Of course, now that they are all bare of leaves it all really depends on the structure of line. So I have been doing a few tree studies in my sketchbook, because I need so much practice with trees. And line.

I have been reading a few books about drawing trees, too, trying to gain some insight, gleaning the wisdom of how others have dealt with interpreting trees in various media. Trees have so much character. And dignity.

I rediscovered my Neocolor II crayons the other day. They allow for drawing and painting at the same time. And unlike the brush, one has to start with line, perfect for trees in winter. With a brush it's all about shape, but with the crayon, I have to find the line first, which is a different way of seeing for me. Do you ever do that? Change your approach in order to train yourself to see in a new way? Do you more naturally draw with line or shape?

The bottom image is a view outside my living room window on a snowy day, done with Neocolor II water soluble crayons. Well, everyday has been a snowy day here lately. The middle image is a study I did in graphite from an old photo, and the top is also from a photo, taken last winter of a pasture near my house, also done with Neocolor II crayon.